A seven-year-old boy named Fred Tate shows a remarkable genius for mathematics, art, and music, sensing the world in a manner vastly different from the typical child his age. Despite his intellectual talents, he struggles to fit in with his peers and grapples with loneliness, longing for friendships he finds elusive because of the stark contrast between his abilities and those of other children. His single mother, Dede, works multiple jobs to support them, while being acutely aware that her son's extraordinary gifts need nurturing that she, a woman with a more conventional intellect, might not be equipped to provide. Consequently, she's torn between protecting his childhood and pushing him towards the opportunities his talents afford.

As Fred's abilities gain attention, he is offered the chance to participate in a summer program for gifted youngsters, run by a brilliant and kind psychologist. This program promises to provide the intellectual stimulation Fred needs and to connect him with peers of his caliber. But even in this new environment, the social challenges remain, and Fred begins to question his place among other prodigies, as well as the cost of his unique talents on his simple desire to be a child. His mother observes these dilemmas closely, questioning whether she's doing best for Fred and what her son truly needs to fulfill his potential without losing his sense of joy and wonder in the world.